READINGS

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/the-hidden-hand-behind-the-islamic-state-militants-saddam-husseins/2015/04/04/aa97676c-cc32-11e4-8730-4f473416e759_story.html
The hidden hand behind the Islamic State militants? Saddam Hussein’s.

http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21647673-despite-irans-support-president-weakening-assad-back-foot
Assad on the back foot

http://www.brookings.edu/blogs/markaz/posts/2015/03/23-syrian-islamists-balancing-with-alqaeda-lister
Are Syrian Islamists moving to counterbalance Al-Qaeda? Will it last?